Communists turn 90 in China; firm control over state to remain

Beijing, Jul 1: China today (Jul 1) turned red as the ruling Communist Party celebrated its 90th anniversary with President Hu Jintao promising political reforms but only under the "absolute control" of the CPC over military and government, as he warned that rampant corruption was eroding the party's legitimacy.

"We must adhere to the fundamental principle of the party exercising absolute leadership over the army and the fundamental purpose of the army as a people's army and cultivate core values for contemporary revolutionary military personnel," Hu said in a keynote speech at a grand gathering marking the 90th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at Great Hall of the People.

Hu who is also the party General Secretary said CPC will "actively yet prudently" carry out political and structural reform, aiming to achieve the goal of people determining their destiny.

"Corruption will cost the party the support and trust of the people," the President said. The Party is soberly aware of the gravity and danger of corruption, he said.

The whole Party must remain vigilant against corruption, be fully aware that fighting corruption will be "a protracted, complicated and arduous battle," and give higher priority to combating corruption and upholding integrity, Hu said, as patriotic films, TV programmes and "red" songs, praising the 62 year Communist Party rule dominated the airwaves.

He called on leading officials to bear in mind that power is entrusted by the people and can only be used in their interests. "We must not turn our power into an instrument for making personal gains for a handful of individuals."

PTI